Genetically Modified Crops in a MEDC

Grade 9 : Genetically Modified Crops in a MEDC

§In the 1950s, scientists discovered that DNA carried the genetic detail of living things.
§By the 1980s, it was possible to identify individual genes and transfer them and their specific qualities.
§In the early 1990s, the first GM products were sold.
§Biotechnology : The application of technology to modify the products or processes of living system

§GM crops are designed to be resistant to competition or destruction by other plants or animals and insects.
§Genes containing resistance are bred into the new GM crops (it can come from different source. E.g. Fish genes in tomatoes.
§Others produce toxins which kill pests which try to feed off them, reducing the need of pesticides.

Animal can also be modified.
There are no any GM meat products on sale

§GM : Altering the genetic composition of cells or organism by introducing “foreign” genes.
§DNA : Deoxyribonucleic Acid-the genetic base of cells and organism
§Gene : A specific sequence of DNA code carrying inherited characteristics.

GM in USA
68% of the world’s GM crops are grown in USA.
Up to 70% of packaged foods on sale in the USA containing GM ingredients.

Conservation
stay fresh longer and resist rotting without altering the taste.
US company Monsanto is responsible for over 90% of the world’s GM crops (soybeans, oilseed rape, maize and cotton)
45% of the USA’s wheat exports are to Japan and the EU.
End of Doc.